Aerators

[TresCrows]

I went to the Millcreek site just to confirm my memory. According to their site their units do have bearings and their 42 inch supposedly weighs about 300 lbs. Anyway, I like the First Choice better but the MillCreek did not seem so bad--what am I missing here. None of these things will give the immediate results of professional power coring equipment but over a period of time--little by little they will make a big difference.
The Agrifab is junk, I imagine I could be happy with a Millcreek. The Agrifabs were 168 dollars at Lowes so it might be better than nothing if your soil is fairly soft. It simply would not penetrate my soil and it stopped up too, something the First Choice does not do.
Every new tool/implement I buy I find there is a learning curve to it's operation--my surprise at only being able to go straight is part of that learning curve. The amount of force applied by attempting to turn the tractor would likely--in time--damage the aerator. Next time I am going to increase the weight, I do not think I am optimum yet what with 300 lbs aerator and 140 lbs of sand bags, I think another 100 or 200 lbs should do the trick. J

 

[Will]

Millcreek has two lines. The 300lb 42 inch model is part of their pro line, it retails for about $1000-$1100. The 140lb 54 inch model retails for about $640 and is in their economy line. When you go to the lighter model you give up a lot of weight, and you can only add about 120lbs of extra weight. This wasn't enough for my patch of Georgia clay.Though the Millcreek aerator didn't work for me, that company gave me the best service I've ever had on anything. An out of state rep drove to my house, picked up the unit, and they are giving me a full refund. And this happened on the day after I called them. Amazing. I'd love to do business with them again. It is kind of embarassing to be treated so well.

 

[Rockyroad]

That is a great looking aerator!

I don't have a plugger, but instead welded up my own out of a 4' long piece of 1/2 inch wall steel pipe I bought from a fabricator. Welded up a 3 pt. hitch, and tacked on dozens of 3" spikes made from drill rod.

I probably would have bought something like you have in the photo, however, if I could have found one 5 or 6 years ago that is the quality of that shown.

However, the point is that whether you plug or punch holes, the aerator will make an unbelievable difference in your lawn. Mine was dying from compactation, and aerating it first time and adding lawn food made an unbelieveable difference.
I aerate several times a season with my homemade rig, but as someone else pointed out, never in the real hot part of the summer.

Good luck with your new rig!

 

[Darren]

I was told by Milllcreek that I could add a bit more than 400 lbs. to the model I have. Because of the design, I can strap a 55 gal barrel to the top and simply add water for weight. Under the right conditions, the spoons should penetrate 4".

 

[NY_Yankees_Fan]

Warning>>>>>>
Borrowed the neighbors aerator the other day, a Sears Craftsman special. Kids were watching TV, daughter comes out says cable just went out, anyone what to guess what happen??? Yep, got the cable TV line! Lucky the cable guy did not ask how it happen. So make sure your cable to the house is buried deeper then a ½ inch below the suffice when you aerate your lawn, or you may have trouble watching TV when you are done! BUT did enjoy the seat time on the BX2200, guess it was not so bad…lol

Be carefull...
Tom

 

[Will]

First Choice aerator

I just got my First Choice aerator (I went with the 60" model - it costs about $70 more than the 48" model), and I'm really impressed with it. As TresCrows said, it is heavy duty. The "sheet" metal that it is made of is 3/16 of an inch thick - that's 50% thicker than the metal in my FEL. The sheet metal is held together with 5/16 inch thick angle iron, and they use 3/8 inch angle iron for three point hitch pins. Part of the advantage of starting off heavy is that it is strong enough to add many hundreds of pounds of extra weight.I'm also really impressed with the company. I spoke to the owner, Peter Van Den Berg. He's been in the implement business for 30 years (I think he started with Befco and Land Pride) and he clearly knows what he's doing - it is a far better value than anything else I've seen.Another interesting fact is that you probably have a dealer very close to you, but there's a good chance your dealer doesn't know it. Apparently a lot of people buy his equipment but don't know he sells an aerator. When I called him, he gave me the names of a pile of dealers, but when I called the dealers they told me they only carried other brands. He gave the closest dealer a call, and 10 minutes later the local dealer had decided to order a few.As far as negative comments go, I don't have much. I had to grind off a bit of angle iron to attach the toplink portion of the unit. The paint job is far superior to the spray painted primer look of some inexpensive stuff, but it isn't as perfect as you'd find on a Kubota brand implement.

 

[TresCrows]

Re: First Choice aerator

Will, hi, I am excited you got your First Choice aerator. I used mine again today after mowing. It is still cool here and the grass is growing strong so I think I can still aerate maybe once more in a few weeks before the Summer heat hits. It sounds like you like yours as much as I like mine. Sometimes I think I should have gotten the 60 too but I really like my 48, I can scoot between stuff real nice with it. Either size they are real nice units. It is kinda funny how as I have added weight it begins to make the 2410 work, maybe just a little /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif , but not enough to make her break a sweat. Ground was soft today after recent rains so I was pulling some real decent plugs!
Yeah, I think Kubota uses a metal stabilizing wash primer or treatment and then a rust resistant white/gray primer and then their orange color coat. I can see the layers in the areas on my boxblade as they have worn away. Whatever process they use resists rust and wears pretty good. I think most of the implement folks just spray on a color and as such I think the finish is real decent on my aerator compared to my KK equipment but as you say not quite up to Kubota finish quality. I would rather have the money spent on the grease zerks and bearings that First Choice specified rather than an involved paint finish. Hey, get us some pics of that bad boy please. J

 

[TresCrows]

Re: First Choice aerator

The buisness end of the critter. J

 

[Will]

Re: First Choice aerator

<font color=blue>Hey, get us some pics of that bad boy please. </font color=blue>

Glad you asked! It hasn't rained in a few weeks, so I'll have to wait before I can do any effective aerating. I'm thinking of putting some plywood on top and then strapping on some sandbags, but I've got plenty of time to think about it.

 

[TresCrows]

Re: First Choice aerator

Will, that is one mean looking machine you have there /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif . Nice looking tractor too /w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif . J

 

[Mike_S]

Is there a First Choice Aerator web Site? Where can I find detailed information about this attachment please. Mike S.

 

[Will]

They don't have a web site. You can download a description of some of their equipment that one of their engineers sent me from <A target="_blank" HREF=http://homepage.mac.com/kazez/files/Equipment_Catalog.doc> here</A>.

 

[bigpete]

Re: First Choice aerator

Nice looking devices, guys. I've been shopping around for awhile, myself. Something a little smaller for the 445. Here are two other companies that appear to offer solid units, as well:

Drum style w/3PH or tow-behind:<A target="_blank" HREF=http://alboyd.hypermart.net/priceinfo.htm>GPC Metal Products - Tru-Core</A>

Spoon wheel w/3PH or tow-behind <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.turfco.com/turfcodirect/html/body_tm423pointhitch.htm> Turfco Direct </A>

<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.trac-vac.com/> Trac-vac </A> offers a spoon-wheel with a lighter frame which still appears to be more solid than any of the Agri-fab or equal box store units. I think I'm headed toward the 42" Turfco w/ Cat 0 3PH for around $975. It'll step up easily to the 4110 or 4115 I pick up next Fall. /w3tcompact/icons/cool.gif

Regards

 

[tdenny]

Trescrows,

What do you do with the cores after you've run your aerator over your lawn - looks really nice by the way. I've heard of people leaving them to mow over as well as collecting them. Does anyone have any suggestions?

 

[TresCrows]

No, no, no, I mow first and then I core. I leave the cores so that they decompose and break down adding to the soil. No--do not pick them up. Besides how would I pick up cores from two acres of lawn? I would need a dump truck! Yeah, when done coring they are everywhere but they break down in the rain and melt back in. I suppose you could core and then mow but I like to protect my MMM investment so why dull the blades with millions of tiny cores.
You know, I have heard that some people actually bag their grass and throw it away and then vacum their yard. Yikes--what do they do with all the refuse? I would have a landfill full everytime I mow and vac. J

 

[tdenny]

Thanks,

I know several people who bag their grass and throw the clippings to the yard waste collector. I don't bag, it is just too much extra work and besides everything I read says it is better for a healthy lawn to put the clippings back in.

 

[TresCrows]

Re: First Choice aerator

Hi bigpete, glad to see you are still around, had not seen you post lately--great--you are still here /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif .
Now, I saw that Turfco once down in Dallas. Yeah, it looks decent and is well built but for ther life of me I cannot remember if it had bearings and grease zerks. For 975 it better have that and gold plating!
I know you may be planning on moving up to a larger tractor, I think the 4110 would "look" okay with a 42 inch but it would be way under that tractors capacity, the larger (2710/2910 size) 4115 would "look" silly pulling that tiny thing. Why do looks matter?--they don't but getting the work capacity of your implements matched to your tractor is important. Now, the 3 point vs pull type. I can see advantages to both, I settled on a 3 point because it can be picked up with my 3-point lift when I cross pavement and gravel etc but then it cannot turn easily like the pull behind would be able to--just something to consider though is that if you get a larger tractor I doubt you will be able to reach back and activate the lift for a pull behind type so you will have to dismount each time.
I would imagine that your 445 could pull a 48 inch First Choice lightly loaded on relatively flat terrain without hurting the tractor. Then you could use it behind your new 4110 if you get one. Maybe you should just wait unitl you decide for sure on your tractor situation before getting one cuz that will ultimately decide your 3-point/tow behind and size question. Of course you might keep your 445 and get a larger tractor /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif if your wife will let you /w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif .
That 975 is a lot of money for a 42 inch tow behind, better research the bearings/zerks and such a bit more, if it has them that is great but if not I would shy away unless for say half that price. If you find a First Choice dealer they will make a green 48 inch for you since you insist on being a green meanie /w3tcompact/icons/shocked.gif . J

 

[bigpete]

Re: First Choice aerator

Bronze "oilite" bearings, grease zerks galore, 12 ga. steel wight tray and box, 1/4" wall 2" tubing frame, weighs 225 and holds 600 lbs of weight, etc., etc. I'd like to touch, feel, and taste it...well maybe not taste it, but you get the point. I had already decided to look at the model you bought. Sounds tough and the 6" of width would allow more porch-sittin' time. My four acres need to be loosened up next Fall or Spring and I'm not rushing in.

Thanks

 

[MikeGross]

Check out Lawn Talk." In addition to aeration, it also discusses fertilization, seeding, mowing, weeding, and many other topics related to lawn care. The target audience is people in the northern Illinois region, so some of the information may not be applicable to everyone's climate.